Old North News

Governor Josh Stein has announced the approval of grants by the Rural Infrastructure Authority (RIA) amounting to $1,890,000. These grants, requested by local governments, aim to create a total of 67 jobs, including 53 previously announced jobs. The public funding is projected to stimulate more than $15.5 million in private investment.

“When we strengthen rural communities, we strengthen North Carolina,” stated Governor Stein. “These infrastructure grants help cement our reputation as a top state for business as we bring high-quality jobs to every corner of our state.”

The RIA is a body supported by the economic development team at the North Carolina Department of Commerce. It consists of members who review and approve funding requests submitted by local governments. The funding is sourced from various specialized grant and loan programs managed by N.C. Commerce’s Rural Economic Development Division, led by Assistant Secretary for Rural Development Kenny Flowers. These grants support activities such as infrastructure development, building renovation, expansion, demolition, and site improvements.

“From the mountains to the coast and parts in between, North Carolina’s rural areas provide excellent opportunities for businesses to succeed,” said N.C. Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley. “Our infrastructure grants allow us to partner with local officials in these communities to make critical investments in the economic prosperity of our people.”

Under the state’s Building Reuse Program, the RIA approved three grants in the vacant building category:

- Madison County: A $100,000 grant is designated for repurposing a 95,000-square-foot building in Hot Springs. The facility will house Advanced BioGas Systems, which specializes in landfill gas capture devices, creating 14 jobs and investing $2,889,384.

- Randolph County: A $230,000 grant will aid the reuse of a 14,700-square-foot building in Asheboro. It will serve as a location for Gillespie Precast, LLC, which is expected to create 39 jobs and invest a total of $10,047,500.

- Vance County: A $200,000 grant will support an 83,000-square-foot building in Henderson. Syntec Precision Technology Corporation plans to create 34 jobs and make an $8 million private investment.

Additionally, the RIA approved a grant under the state’s Industrial Development Fund - Utility Account program:

- Town of Swansboro (Onslow County): A $1,360,000 grant will aid in completing infrastructure development in a 47-acre industrial park.

The Building Reuse Program and the Industrial Development Fund-Utility Account cater to local governments in economically distressed areas, encouraging job creation through infrastructure development. The initiatives reflect the state's ongoing efforts to support rural economic growth.

The N.C. Rural Infrastructure Authority not only approves funding requests but also formulates policies for grant and loan programs. It consists of 17 voting members appointed by various state leaders, while the Secretary of Commerce serves ex officio.

For further information, refer to the Rural Economic Development Division webpage.